Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen

Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadeBioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Interior Photography, KitchenBioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Interior Photography, KitchenBioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Interior PhotographyBioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - More Images+ 11

  • Architects: Clark Nexsen
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  62000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2016
  • Photographs
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  ALPOLIC, Centria, Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
  • Architect In Charge: Don Kranbuehl, Pat O’Keefe
  • Design Team: Chris Bartlett, Corey Baughman, Becky Brady, Mike Brady, Joe Wynn
  • Clients: Fujifilm Biosynth Bioechnologies, Alexandria Real Estate Equities
  • City: Durham
  • Country: United States
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Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Image 6 of 16
© Mark Herboth Photography

Text description provided by the architects. Located in a dense hilly forest on a narrow peninsula of land, the Bioprocess Innovation Center responds to the rich topography as it weaves together building and landscape. The existing landforms are preserved and reinforced through terraced parking with a public path that steps down the hillside. The design organizes along the path and is comprised of a series of sliding tubes that float above the forest floor as they frame views into the landscape and connect the occupants with nature. The design fosters collaboration as the path transitions into a collaborative walkway inside with multiple types of gathering spaces.

Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Image 16 of 16
Axonometric

Integrated A/E firm Clark Nexsen provided all architecture and engineering design services. The design responds to the existing landscape to develop a composition which actively engages and unites the built forms with nature. A narrow peninsula of land formed by two small creeks provided the opportunity to orient the building along the peninsula’s east west spine as it rests upon the relatively flat grade and can capitalize on the south facing orientation. The parking lot engages the sloping topography through terraced levels which transition to a stepped pathway.  

Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Interior Photography, Kitchen
© Mark Herboth Photography

Inspired by the qualities of transparency produced as natural light filters through the layers of a deciduous forest, the building’s form reflects the overlapping qualities in its geometry and formal composition. The form is also a clear expression of the building’s program organized into three principal bars:  a laboratory bar, an administrative bar and a public space bar. These three forms along with the internal planes and volumes overlap and extend past one another evoking the forest’s transparent qualities. Each of the bars are clad in a unique skin which is sliced and carved at the ends to create spaces for research and collaboration.

Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Interior Photography, Kitchen
© Jordan Gray
Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Image 13 of 16
Floor Plans
Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Chair
© Mark Herboth Photography

The project re-conceptualizes the role of a research laboratory building as a “home for a team of scientists.” The project fosters a strong sense of community, despite the isolated suburban setting. A central public path runs from the terraced parking through the two-story entrance and lobby space where scientists mingle, then back into nature on a west facing outdoor terrace with views of the setting sun. The path is lined by a single alley of trees with benches and connects people to both nature and to one another as they interact along the path. The entrance lobby is an active living space which encourages collaboration through shared multilevel meeting spaces.

Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen - Interior Photography
© Mark Herboth Photography

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Project location

Address:6051 George Watts Hill Dr, Durham, NC 27709, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Bioprocess Innovation Center / Clark Nexsen" 11 Sep 2017. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/879329/bioprocess-innovation-center-clark-nexsen> ISSN 0719-8884

© Mark Herboth Photography

生物工艺创新中心:顺应功能,体块相互交织 / Clark Nexsen

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